Clutter Free Classroom Challenge Week 1

So the challenge this week was to take "before" pictures.  Of course I felt like I needed to clean up a bit before, just the normal end of day stuff I normally do, papers filed, things put back, etc.   Of course with living in Alaska this time of year there is no natural light after the kids leave at 3:30 and it's not light when they get here in the morning.  So here are some of my pictures...

The first one is from my door and the area under the window is my most cluttered area.  The counter, cabinets, and shelves are full of stuff (some I've never used in the 2.5 years I've been in this room).

The second is my coat closet.  I hate winter time with all the snow gear that the kids need for recess.   This group has been the worst about making sure things are hung up.  Of course our closets aren't very kid friendly for hanging things either.

The third picture is the counter behind my desk...so much there that need to be organized and de-cluttered.  I don't use most of the stuff in the cabinet or even the stuff sitting out.   The cabinet is full of teaching books and supplies and most haven't moved for 2 years. 

For more information about the Clutter Free Classroom Challenge check out their blog here. 

Writer's Workshop

Writing has been a big focus of mine this year.  I have always felt like writing has slipped through the cracks in the past.  Last year I started using a book Step by Step Writing Lessons for K-1 by Davidson, Wuest and Camp.  I really liked the way it helped organize the writing workshop time of my day but I felt like I needed more for the everyday running of it.  This year as a book study several of the teachers at my school got together and read No More "I'm Done!" by Jennifer Jacobson.  This really made me think about the aspects that I haven't yet incorporated; conferencing (more than just the casual conferencing as I walk around the room) and author's chair. 

Earlier this week I wanted to incorporate more sharing and so I tried something new.  We worked on our writing during our workshop time but when the timer went off I had them take their pictures with them to the carpet.  We then made a circle and placed our pictures on the floor and took a picture walk.  We talked about what we saw in the pictures that we liked.  Pages full of colors, details of faces and clothes and people, labeling of people in the pictures, etc.

They really enjoyed sharing their pictures.  I hope to do some type of sharing at least once a week.

Welcome!

Welcome to Mrs. Crowe's Kindergarten!  I teach in Eagle River, Alaska (just outside of Anchorage).  This is my 4th year at my school, 3rd in Kindergarten.  I started following a few educational blogs earlier this year and I've lost track of how many I follow now but I decided that I would start my own, not that I have a lot to share that I have created yet, but that I want to join in on some of the discussions.  Thank you for coming and taking a look and I hope to share some of what I do.